How do I relieve vaginal itching?

Bottom lineRelieve vaginal itching by stopping perfumed soaps, washes, and wipes, washing only the vulva with water, wearing loose cotton underwear, and not scratching; treat the cause - antifungals for thrush (with thick white discharge), a clinician for bacterial vaginosis (fishy odor), or moisturizers for dryness - and see a doctor if it's your first time, severe, recurring, or comes with unusual discharge, sores, or bleeding.

Vaginal or vulval itching is common and has many causes - thrush (yeast), bacterial vaginosis, irritation from products, skin conditions, and dryness. Relief depends on the cause, so it helps to identify what's behind it.

Gentle measures that often help

• Stop using perfumed soaps, washes, wipes, and bubble baths - irritation is a common cause
• Wash only the vulva with water or a plain emollient
• Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic clothing
• Avoid scratching, which worsens irritation
• A plain emollient/moisturizer can soothe dry, irritated skin

Treating common causes

• Thrush (yeast): itching with thick white discharge - treatable with antifungal creams or tablets (a pharmacist can advise)
• Bacterial vaginosis: itching with a fishy odor - needs a clinician
• Dryness: moisturizers and, if from low estrogen, local estrogen

When to see a clinician

See a doctor if:

• It's your first time and you're unsure of the cause
• Itching is severe, persistent, or keeps coming back
• There's unusual discharge, sores, bleeding, or pain
• You're pregnant or treatments aren't working

Persistent itching can also be a skin condition that needs specific treatment, so don't keep self-treating without answers.

See what causes vaginal itching for more.

Femora helps you track itching and related symptoms so you can give a clinician a clear picture of the cause.